Spring Into Summer Skincare
by Krista Michelle Arrigo

Now that spring's here -- and summer's around the corner -- it's time to gear up with some happy-in-the-sun skin care and cosmetic products. Read on as we clarify some common skin myths, and offer tips and product picks to help you spring into the warmer months with ease.

Myth: Cleansing products you use during the winter are okay to use during the summer. Truth: "Skin tends to get dryer in colder weather and oily in warmer weather," says Dr. Amy B. Lewis, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. So depending on your skin's dry or oily tendencies, which change with the weather, you'll need to use appropriate products. Tip: Since overactive oil glands cause a buildup of bacteria, blockage of the pores, and acne, Lewis says, keep greasiness at bay by washing frequently. Perfect Product Pick: Stri-Dex Alcohol-Free Pads are the perfect on-the-go solution to keep your face clean. These easy-to-use innovations come in four formulas -- Regular and Maximum Strength, Sensitive Skin with Aloe, and Super Scrub Oil Fighting Formula -- so you can easily change your cleanser according to skin and weather conditions. (www.stridex.com)

Myth: Once you've applied SPF, you're ready to bake in the sun. Truth: "Sunscreen takes about 10 to 20 minutes to absorb and bind onto the skin," says Dr. Rohanda Pomerantz, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist. Tip: If you're planning a day in the sun, apply sunscreen before you hit the heat -- not while you're in it. Also, when using an SPF moisturizer as part of your daily regime, Pomerantz says, give yourself ample time to apply it, so that when you step in the sun, your skin's protected. Perfect Product Picks: Olay Complete UV Defense Moisture Lotion with Vitamins E and C contains broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection with SPF 15 and Olay moisturizers to condition and soothe your skin. ($7.39, www.olay.com)

Myth: Since you've been using a self-tanner to get tan, now you won't burn in the real sun. Truth: While it's true that the darker you are (e.g., you have naturally dark or olive skin), the less prone the sun is to burn you, says Pomerantz, when you're dark from a self- tanner, you are at risk of burning because the tan you have is artificial. And, she says, whether your tan is real or fake, you're still prone to the sun's long-term effects like aging and wrinkles. Tip: Either apply self-tanner at night, after you've applied an SPF sunscreen, or use a tanner with sun protection in it. Perfect Product Pick: Shiseido Self-Tanning Protective Face Cream SPF 8 is a lightweight cream that's specifically formulated for the face. It provides an even, natural looking tan and will protect you from the sun. ($20, www.sca.shiseido.com)

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